The red and cuddly Sesame Street Muppet Elmo has learned a new lesson: ‘H’ is for handcuffs.

A man dressed as the character was one of three impersonators arrested last week for allegedly harassing tourists for tips after posing for photos on Hollywood Boulevard. Booked with him were people impersonating superhero Mr. Incredible and the dark-hooded character from the horror movie “Scream.”

The impersonators said they were taken into custody at gunpoint, handcuffed and paraded on the Hollywood Walk of Fame before stunned tourists and other impersonators. They were charged with misdemeanor “aggressive begging,” police said.

“With all of the crime in Los Angeles they pick on us?” said Elmo impersonator Donn Harper, 45, who makes up to $400 a day in tips.

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Posted by Lawren at October 26, 2005 08:15 AM | Trackbacks (0)

You Said

Dear Mr. Harper the IRS would like to speak to you.

Says: M@ at October 26, 2005 09:13 AM

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There was an article on this on the front page of Monday's Wall Street Journal, talking about celebrity/character impersonators hassling tourists. I believe Harper was profiled in the article.

Says: Chrees at October 26, 2005 10:58 AM

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